Archaeologists in the Songkhla province of southern Thailand have unearthed the massive brick base of an 8th-century temple belonging to the Srivijaya maritime empire. The site is notable for the discovery of complex terracotta-lined irrigation sluices integrated directly into the temple’s foundation, suggesting that the religious site served as a hub for sophisticated water management in the surrounding agricultural lands.
The find includes a series of carved stone lintels depicting aquatic deities and nautical motifs, emphasizing the Srivijaya connection to the sea. The integration of hydraulic engineering within a sacred precinct highlights the dual role of medieval Southeast Asian temples as both spiritual centers and critical infrastructure for regional sustainability.